A utopia is a perfect society, but even the slightest mishap in the attempt of a utopia could develop it into a dystopia, a horrible and oppressive society. In 1961, a dystopian short story was written called Harrison Bergeron, by Kurt Vonnegut. The society has measured the strength, intelligence and looks of the average person and put handicap on the citizens who are above those expectations. Harrison Bergeron, a short story by Kurt Vonnegut, exhibits dystopian characteristics such as restricted information, independent thought and freedom, citizens conform to uniform expectations, and complete bureaucratic control.
One dystopian characteristic that is displayed is restricted information, independent thought, and freedom. For example, “He …show more content…
One example is, “Hazel had a perfectly average intelligence, which meant she couldn't think about anything except in short bursts. And George, while his intelligence was way above normal, had a little mental handicap radio in his ear.” (Vonnegut, Kurt. Harrison Bergeron) The society in Harrison Bergeron has an average intelligence and if the citizens do not conform to those expectations, they must be altered until they do. George has an above average intelligence so anytime he thinks something that is above average, the radio in his ear plays a loud, obnoxious sounds that interrupts the thought. The government conforms the citizens to uniform expectations so that the governmental power isn't upset. This is a dystopian aspect which adds to the piece being in the dystopian genre. Another example is,“...she was the strongest and most graceful of all the dancers, for her handicap bags were as big as those worn by 200 pound men.” (Vonnegut, Kurt. Harrison Bergeron) The ballerinas handicaps are so big because she was much stronger than the average person, the uniform expectation. Conforming to the uniform expectation is a unique trait of the dystopian genre which proves Harrison Bergeron is a dystopian
One dystopian characteristic that is displayed is restricted information, independent thought, and freedom. For example, “He …show more content…
One example is, “Hazel had a perfectly average intelligence, which meant she couldn't think about anything except in short bursts. And George, while his intelligence was way above normal, had a little mental handicap radio in his ear.” (Vonnegut, Kurt. Harrison Bergeron) The society in Harrison Bergeron has an average intelligence and if the citizens do not conform to those expectations, they must be altered until they do. George has an above average intelligence so anytime he thinks something that is above average, the radio in his ear plays a loud, obnoxious sounds that interrupts the thought. The government conforms the citizens to uniform expectations so that the governmental power isn't upset. This is a dystopian aspect which adds to the piece being in the dystopian genre. Another example is,“...she was the strongest and most graceful of all the dancers, for her handicap bags were as big as those worn by 200 pound men.” (Vonnegut, Kurt. Harrison Bergeron) The ballerinas handicaps are so big because she was much stronger than the average person, the uniform expectation. Conforming to the uniform expectation is a unique trait of the dystopian genre which proves Harrison Bergeron is a dystopian